Sweet Potato Breeding Technician – Temporary

About the role

The Sweet Potato Breeding Technician will support Oterra’s sweet‑potato seed production and breeding programmes in Huacho, Peru. Working in both open‑field and greenhouse environments, you will help generate vegetative seed, maintain germplasm collections and collect data that drive new variety development.

Key responsibilities

• Produce vegetative sweet‑potato seed using mini‑cuttings and root sprouts in greenhouse conditions.
• Monitor and conserve sweet‑potato germplasm in field and greenhouse settings.
• Carry out field sampling to estimate yield, assess crop performance and evaluate quality parameters.
• Execute and monitor field trials for new varieties and agronomic practice optimisation.
• Collect, analyse and maintain experimental and production data for breeding and seed‑production objectives.
• Train and supervise field and greenhouse workers on breeding, seed production and crop‑management tasks.
• Collaborate with breeding, agronomy and operations teams to ensure successful research and production plans.
• Prepare monthly reports summarising activities, trial results and production outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality and operational standards in all activities.

Required profile

• Technical degree, graduate or Bachelor’s in Agronomy, Agricultural Sciences or Agricultural Engineering.
• Previous experience in agricultural production, seed production, plant breeding, crop management or field research (preferred).
• Knowledge of greenhouse operations, field trials and agronomic practices.
• Ability to collect, manage and analyse agricultural and experimental data.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work in field and greenhouse environments and travel between Huacho and nearby sites.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.

Required skills

• Greenhouse operations
• Field trial management
• Agricultural data collection and analysis
• Seed production techniques